OK, I don't mean discontinue a relationship with a current patient. I don't mean stop accepting new patients. I mean, if a physician is currently accepting new patients, can he/she refuse to accept a SPECIFIC patient?

Here's the situation: My husband and I were talking about a family friend with, let's say, a colorful medical history and her own personal take on what constitutes good care. (I'm being kind)

My husband said, "She's going to end up so that no doctor will take her on."

I've been thinking about that. A doctor doesn't get your records until you're already a new patient, right? Can a doctor legally think/say, "This person has been to 15 doctors and accused them all of malpractice and not taking her seriously...I'm not accepting her as a patient."

I'm thinking a doctor doesn't even KNOW who the incoming patients are...in other words, you call the office, ask if the doctor is accepting new patients, the receptionist says "yes", and you make an appointment.

From the other perspective, how does a doctor avoid getting stuck with a cuckoo that's going to be trouble? Is it just a risk of the profession? Inquiring minds....

I'm thinking that they can. Your medical records are out there and they have anything and everything nowadays. My take on it.

You have to be very careful what you say to your doctor as they key in everything. You would be surprised. They aren't like a friend in the old days where you could actually "visit" with them and not worry about such stuff. My experience anyway.

Yes, I believe a doctor can refuse a patient.

I believe there is a service that is run by insurance companies who label those who frequently sue.

I don't know how common these lists are but you might want to read this:
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/stor...ctice-lawsuits

My sister has been refused by several and it always surprises her. She is a MD shopper and pill seeker, and runs from one MD to another. She seeks new MDs all the time and is always shocked when the new MD says "yes, I am taking new patients, but no i am not willing to see you, please seek help elsewhere." and they hang up on her.

That is in NC, im not sure about other states, but I am sure it can happen in CT as well. I had a neighbor who was a huge whiner complainer, and sued the pants off several MDs. After a while she was stunned when she would dimiss her MD and the next one would refuse her. I dont know how they got the word out, but they did.

I had a neighbor who was "fired" by my internist. He sent her a letter that said that as of 2 weeks he would no longer be responsible for her care. This was because she was a non-compliant patient.

ANN

Yes, A doctor does not have to take a person on as a patient. They usually do have records or ask for them ahead of time. If you do not cooperate, they can also dismiss you for that. I refused a test, and he didn't want to keep me on. The feeling was mutual, and it was the only time in my life that I refused to do something. I don't work well with physicians that don't show compassion. ginnie